Totopotomoy Creek
May 29-30, 1864
The Union army encamped around Haw's Shop facing generally west while Lee took up position atop the bluffs of Totopotomoy Creek. Sheridan was allowed to keep his cavalry in the rear to rest and recuperate, but this deprived the Union command of it best resource to discover Lee's positions and intentions. Deprived of its main scouting force, Meade sent the infantry forward. Wright's VI Corps advanced west toward the vital Virginia Central at Hanover CH. Hancock's II Corps marched west to probe toward Totopotomoy Creek. Warren's V Corps marched south to the creek while Burnside's IX Corps served as the reserve.
Totopotomoy Creek Area
These three photos give some idea of the strength of Lee's entrenched position. The bluffs are high and steep by eastern Virginia standards, and the fields of fire are good. The swampy creek provided further protection.
Shelton House
Hancock's corps clashed with Confederate skirmishers as it moved west from Haw's Shop. The Union troops stopped and formed line here at the Shelton House overlooking the Totopotomoy Creek then advanced on Lee's position on the far slope. The Union attack stalled and the men dug in. The Shelton farm was used as an artillery position. The room to the left is historic in two ways - Patrick Henry was married there, and it was used as a hospital during the battle. Fighting continued off and on until Hancock's corps was eventually withdrawn and moved south as the campaign continued.
Pole Green Church
Further east, Warren's V Corps crossed the Totopotomy with some opposition. Having gained a clearer idea of the Confederate positions, the Union command began planning for the next day. Wright's VI Corps would swing to the west to outflank the formidable position while Burnside would cross to the east and attack the Confederate right flank with Warren. As events unfolded, Wright failed to overlap the Confederate left, and Warren and Burnside did not press the attack on Lee's right. Although the action here was relatively light, the Pole Green Church, used by Confederate skirmishers, was burned down by the Federals.
The Union plan had failed, and Lee was not content to surrender the initiative. Seeing two of the Union army's four corps isolated south of the Totopotomoy, Lee ordered Early's corps to strike Warren's exposed flank at Bethesda Church.
Rumor: I'm told there are efforts being made to preserve the Shelton House and the bluffs along the creek including entrenchments. Please support battlefield preservation organizations. They make these sorts of things possible.